By Miriam Raftery

December 7, 2008 (San Diego) — A unanimous vote by the San Diego Board of Supervisors in November requires the County's Chief Administrative Officer to provide county-sponsored legislation making it easier for residential power customers the ability to sell surplus solar energy back to utility companies.

Story and photos by Thea Skinner

Rev. Canon Mary Moreno-Richardson, coordinator for Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of San Diego speaks as other panelists are attentive during the National Communication Association’s 94th Annual Convention, “unCONVENTIONal,” at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego Nov. 22.

Dec 1, 2008 (San Diego) — Spirits ran high in higher education during the National Communication Association’s 94th Annual Convention at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego Nov. 21-24. Titled the “unCONVENTIONal,” the convention held concurrent sessions on eight levels of the hotel.

The Nov. 22 Urban Communication Foundation Spotlight Panel session discussed issues pertinent to the region including democratic processes, activism, infrastructure and sustainability—at times sparking heated controversy. The five largest issues affecting the region are growth, borders, water, climate, and economy or housing, said Peter Andersen, professor at San Diego State University’s  School of Communication and environmental community commentator for Channel 10.

Environmental voting records for east San Diego County state legislators and Governor Schwarzenegger

By Sylvia Hampton

December 9, 2008 San Diego) — Environmental protection is very important to San Diego County voters. Every year the League of Conservation Voters publishes a "scorecard" on the voting records of all state level representatives: www.ecovote.org/scorecard_2008.pdf. Among Assembly members representing East County and San Diego's eastern region,  environmental protection scores ranged from a low score of 5% (Anderson, Gerrick and Walters) to a high of 95% (Salas).  Among our state Senators, scores ranged from a low of 6% (Hollingsworth) to a high of 100% (Kehoe), while Governor Schwarzenegger received a 60% rating.

By Walter Davis

December 7, 2008 (San Diego) — Poverty is fueled by scarcity. In San Diego County, scarcity of affordable housing and high paying jobs are causing hardship for many citizens, with some East County communities among the hardest hit.

December 1, 2008 (Natural History Museum) — San Diego County faces water rationing in 2009 as a result of drought.  Water districts locally are asking all users to cut back on water usage. Now you can earn some fun rewards for your family by conserving water. 

Residential customers who have saved water could win a family membership at the San Diego Natural History Museum.

By Miriam Raftery

December 2008 (San Diego) — Here's a bright idea--save money on your holiday electric bills by going green! 

Solar holiday lights are now available in white or colored strings, twinkling lights, tree nets, wreaths, illuminated stars and even poinsettia lights for a variety of outdoor applications. 

Book Review by Dennis Moore

Jamie Reno, an award-winning journalist and an 11-year survivor of stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, has written a book about the resilience of the human spirit. Hope Begins in the Dark chronicles the lives of 50 lymphoma survivors, revealing their exclusive stories. The book speaks of the frailty of our existence as human beings and the lengths that we will go to in order to maintain a certain semblance of a quality of life.

By Miriam Raftery

November 1, 2008 (Del Cerro) — “Clients will ask, `How can we go green and still make it beautiful?  That’s really the trick,” observes designer Rick Fahmie of Kitchen Expo.

Fahmie designed a green kitchen in his own Del Cerro home, using utilizing natural and eco-friendly materials as well as maximizing energy efficiency.

Story and photos by Gayle Early

November 1, 2008 (La Mesa/Spring Valley) - It’s 7:00 a.m., third Saturday of the month. The line behind Crosspointe Life Church in La Mesa snakes through the parking lot and all the way down the alley. Feeding America, a nonprofit agency formerly known as Second Harvest, has dropped off its monthly food distribution here in La Mesa, where demand from hungry people seeking food has leaped 103% this quarter. Volunteers also picked up fresh produce and staples from Albertson’s and are setting up tables. Distribution starts at 9:00 a.m. It’s chilly. Many are camped out in chairs, huddled with blankets, surrounded by retractable shopping carts, canvas and plastic bags, bins, cardboard boxes, even laundry baskets with which to carry food home. If they have a home. It’s a long wait.

By Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR

November 1, 2008 - A roof may seem like just a roof to you. But to Jim Mumford of Good Earth Plant Company, a roof is one big pot for plants. His imagination and vision have made him San Diego’s “green roof guru.” Mumford will share his expertise on green roofs in an upcoming seminar, "Introduction to Green Roof Design and Construction" at Cuyamaca College on November 8, 2008.

The half day workshop is presented in partnership with Cuyamaca College as part of its Greener Future and Renewable Energy Seminars. Mumford will be joined by architect Robert Thiele, AIA, LEED AP and roofer Ulf Waldmann of Mission Valley Roofing. Thiele has worked with both James Hubbell and artist Cristo. Waldmann is an experienced green roofer dating back to working with his father’s roofing firm in Germany 20 years ago. “I feel very fortunate to have Robert and Ulf as part of our green roof team,” said Mumford. “They have been invaluable to our ongoing success.”

ASID Kitchen and Bath Tour Oct. 25 Features “Green” Kitchen on Mt. Helix

By Miriam Raftery

Recycled glass adds sparkle to natural slate backsplash

October 11, 2008 (Mt. Helix) - A Mount Helix kitchen/great room featuring natural materials, solar screens and and energy-efficient features is among 11 kitchens featured on the 2008 Fall Kitchen Tour on October 25th.  Sponsored by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) San Diego chapter, this year’s tour features remodeled kitchens ranging from modest tract homes to lavish estates—including several homes in eastern areas of San Diego County. 

By Miriam Raftery

Leon Thompson

“This one, this one!”  Brendan Robeson of Santee pounces gleefully on a giant pumpkin far too large for his Mom to hoist.

David and Mandy Pumphrey of Murietta used a wheelbarrow to haul their 120-pound pumpkin to the weigh-in station at Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center,  where activities between now and October 31 include a straw bale maze, hayride, craft fair, costume contest and yes, even a tower where you can let your kids climb the wall—literally! 

By Miriam Raftery

September 22, 2008 (LA MESA) - If your budget is tight amid today’s rising prices, take heart! A fun way to shrink your clothing budget without sacrificing style is to treat yourself to a shopping spree in a delightful East County resale shop.

My personal favorite resale outlet is Act II, which has two stores in downtown La Mesa, both on La Mesa Blvd.

By Miriam Raftery

Looking to cool off? No need to battle crowds at the beach. Check out our editor's "cool picks" for places to beat the heat in San Diego's eastern areas.
MAKE A SPLASH AT THE SANTEE AQUATIC CENTER:

Waterslide and in-pool playground, Santee Aquatic Center

East County's best-kept aquatic adventure area features a spiral slide plus children's play equipment--all built into a swimming pool. The facility also offers water aerobics classes for adults. Great family fun!
10123 Riverwalk Drive, Santee
Website

CHILL OUT AT KROC CENTER ICE:
Public ice skating, figure skating lessons, hockey and broomball are offered at the NFL-sized ice rink located at the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. Skating competitions and private party ice rentals are also available.
6737 University Ave., San Diego
Website

The California Center for Sustainable Energy is giving away over 14,000 shade trees in San Diego and Orange counties. If you’re an SDG&E customer, you can receive up to 10 full-sized trees for your household—free!

By Miriam Raftery

Growing concerns over food safety and environmental issues have given rise to a new trend: consumers seeking out locally-grown and produced foods.

Sales of locally grown foods increased 25% in 2007 from $4 billion to $5 billion – and could hit $7 billion by 2011, according to a HealthFocus TrendScan report.  According to Packaged Facts, 69% of consumers surveyed agreed that local food is better for their personal health than food that has traveled across the country.  Buzzwords such as “food miles” the “slow food movement” and “locavore” (New Oxford American Dictionary’s 2007 word of the year) have entered the lingo.              

By E.A. Barrera

Courtesy of 20th Century Fox.

“It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.”
Proverbs 25:2
King James Bible

“THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE” is a solid, if not often campy thriller involving the nightmares and paranoia many science-fiction fans crave.